Topic: First Drive: 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

[Autos_Editor]

G-Class Tough.
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[JohnM]

Moves through the air like a bird in flight.

Cheers,
John M.

[Noto]

Jacob, keep this one in mind as one of your submittable articles.

and consider framing this picture and putting it up on Maddy's wall:


Absurd!!  I love it!

Thing is, even if I had a vehicle 'this' capable, and terrain I considered traversing was in front of me, I can't say I'd do it.

I did once see a small ditch in Halton Hills in a parking lot at a hiking trail head that I could have either backed up and driven around, but I said, "FORESTA A-GO!" and drove over it slowly, on an angle, with fear that the lady would smack me if I bottomed out.  I didn't.  In fact, my friend said it wasn't even close.  Still, frightened me to do it.  I'd rather not have such a capable vehicle - that way I won't try to exceed its capabilities.

[OliverD]

No mention of the G65 AMG?

Interesting that the G still sells so strongly, relatively speaking. It had its best sales since 2002 (the first year it was on the market in NA) in the U.S. last year. Canadian sales have been rising as well.

[Hannibalsmith]

Not for everyone, but I like this.

I wish more manufacturers would build cars that retain the classic styling but with updated, well, everything else. Not retro styling mind you (like the Challenger), but literally the same body style.

[Noto]

No mention of the G65 AMG?

Two things. One: No. This has a 416-hp V8 in it – and it’s not even the good engine!
...
If you have a lazy $122,600, you too can have a genuine go-anywhere machine fit for a prince. $30K more will get you one with the “proper” engine, the one massaged by AMG to give you even more getaway grunt.

[mmret]

I do really like this car. If I ever get really rich I'm going to buy one just in case of zombie apocalypse.

Also, MB should really get this guy into a marketing campaign.

Gunther Holtorf's 23-year road trip
Back in 1989, as the Berlin Wall fell, Gunther Holtorf set out on what was meant to be an 18-month tour of Africa in his Mercedes Benz G Wagen. Now, with more than 800,000km (500,000 miles) on the clock, Gunther is still going.

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-18910560

[redman]

Always thought of these (along with the Lamborghini LM002) as the oil sheik go to SUV.

[OliverD]

No mention of the G65 AMG?

Two things. One: No. This has a 416-hp V8 in it – and it’s not even the good engine!
...
If you have a lazy $122,600, you too can have a genuine go-anywhere machine fit for a prince. $30K more will get you one with the “proper” engine, the one massaged by AMG to give you even more getaway grunt.

That's the G63, not the 65. The 65 is well over $200k.

[JacobBlack]

Yeah, I omitted the G65 - this was originally conceived as a "quick spin" article not a comprehensive first drive, but I think the 65 is worth adding in. Give me about an hour (I'm stuck on something else) and I'll update it. Thanks as always for the feedback guys!

[mixmanmash]

Not for everyone, but I like this.

I wish more manufacturers would build cars that retain the classic styling but with updated, well, everything else. Not retro styling mind you (like the Challenger), but literally the same body style.

Same.  First time I sat in one was way back in 2004.  I was very impressed at how good the outward visibility was as well as sightlines.  You could easily tell where the hood ended.  Just an awesome vehicle.

I'd love to own one someday. 

[Northernridge]

The G is awesome....probably my favourite SUV. Mine would go offroad as I wouldn't buy one for pavement alone.

I think of it as an upmarket 4Runner Trail Edition.

[valuator]

I see a little old lady driving one of these on my morning commute everyday.

[Noto]

*sigh* can't shake the image of this one though:

[Fobroader]

For me, the G wagen should be a plain jane, Jeep Wrangler competitor, not the butch competitor to the Evoque, purse dog crowd. To me this doesn't make any sense, the AMGs even less so. The interiors on these also do not scream luxury, they are a utilitarian vehicle that the leather fairy was set upon.

[lebowski]

It’s hard not to love the G-wagon, even with its current Kardashian-mobile status. I mentioned this a while back in a previous thread: given its pedigree and age, it is in a way the last of the over-engineered “bank vault-solid” Mercedes and, for that reason alone, i'd want one, but I’d like mine totally “de-blinged”, e.g. lose the running boards, chrome, extraneous body cladding, window tints; make it look like a 1980’s version (but you can keep the twin-turbo V8 )

[OliverD]

For me, the G wagen should be a plain jane, Jeep Wrangler competitor, not the butch competitor to the Evoque, purse dog crowd. To me this doesn't make any sense, the AMGs even more so. The interiors on these also do not scream luxury, they are a utilitarian vehicle that the leather fairy was set upon.

Why can't it be capable AND luxurious?

[Fobroader]

For me, the G wagen should be a plain jane, Jeep Wrangler competitor, not the butch competitor to the Evoque, purse dog crowd. To me this doesn't make any sense, the AMGs even more so. The interiors on these also do not scream luxury, they are a utilitarian vehicle that the leather fairy was set upon.

Why can't it be capable AND luxurious?

Because its not, 20" rims with low pro all seasons, low hanging running boards, exotic carpets, low hanging bumpers and spoilers.....this is a Kardashian rated vehicle, to me, they completely ruined it.

[lebowski]

Why can't it be capable AND luxurious?

^ I agree. Keep it rugged on the outside, keep the interior as is - but obviously replace the stupid Nav screen with a C.B. radio   

[mixmanmash]

For me, the G wagen should be a plain jane, Jeep Wrangler competitor, not the butch competitor to the Evoque, purse dog crowd. To me this doesn't make any sense, the AMGs even less so. The interiors on these also do not scream luxury, they are a utilitarian vehicle that the leather fairy was set upon.

Go sit in one.  The materials and fit is very top class.